United States v. Harriss

United States v. Harriss, 347 U.S. 612 (1954), was a U.S. Supreme Court case applied directly to the Regulation of Lobbying Act.

United States v. Harriss
Argued October 19, 1953
Decided June 7, 1954
Full case nameUnited States v. Harriss, et al.
Citations347 U.S. 612 (more)
74 S. Ct. 808; 98 L. Ed. 989; 1954 U.S. LEXIS 2657
Case history
PriorAppeal from the United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Holding
The Court upheld the act's constitutionality, but also narrowed the scope and application of the act.
Court membership
Chief Justice
Earl Warren
Associate Justices
Hugo Black · Stanley F. Reed
Felix Frankfurter · William O. Douglas
Robert H. Jackson · Harold H. Burton
Tom C. Clark · Sherman Minton
Case opinions
MajorityWarren, joined by Reed, Frankfurter, Burton, Minton
DissentDouglas, joined by Black
DissentJackson
Clark took no part in the consideration or decision of the case.
Laws applied
Regulation of Lobbying Act

Proceedings and outcome

Lobbyists challenged the Regulation of Lobbying Act for being unconstitutionally vague and unclear. In Harriss, the Supreme Court responded by upholding the act's constitutionality, but also by narrowing the scope and application of the act. The Court ruled that the act applies only to paid lobbyists who directly communicate with members of Congress on pending or proposed federal legislation. This means that lobbyists who visit with congressional staff members rather than members of Congress themselves are not considered lobbyists. In addition, the act covers only attempts to influence the passage or defeat of legislation in Congress, and excludes other congressional activities. Further, the act applies to and restricts only individuals who spend at least half of their time lobbying.[1]

See also

Notes

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